Aluminium Alloy 6061 - Composition, Properties, Temper and Applications of 6061 Aluminium

Topics Covered
Background Composition Key Properties Physical Properties Mechanical Properties Thermal Properties Electrical Properties Typical Heat Treatment/Temper States Typically Available Forms Applications

Background
Aluminium alloy 6061 is one of the most extensively used of the 6000 series aluminium alloys. It is a versatile heat treatable extruded alloy with medium to high strength capabilities.

Composition
Table 1. Typical composition of aluminium alloy 6061 Component Aluminium Magnesium Silicon Iron Copper Zinc Titanium Manganese Chromium Others Amount (wt.%) Balance 0.8-1.2 0.4 0.8 Max. 0.7 0.15-0.40 Max. 0.25 Max. 0.15 Max. 0.15 0.04-0.35 0.05

Key Properties
Typical properties of aluminium alloy 6061 include: Medium to high strength Good toughness Good surface finish Excellent corrosion resistance to atmospheric conditions Good corrosion resistance to sea water Can be anodized

Good weldability and brazability Good workability Widely available

Note: Property data is provided below, but should be used a guide only. As data may vary between manufacturers, you should consult your supplier for more exact figures.

Physical Properties
Density: 2.7 g/cm3 Melting Point: Approx 580C Modulus of Elasticity: 70-80 GPa Poissons Ratio: 0.33

Mechanical Properties
Temper Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa) 110-152 180 179 min 260-310 0.2% Proof Stress (MPa) 65-110 95-96 110 min 240-276 Brinell Hardness (500kg load, 10mm ball) 30-33 Elongation 50mm dia (%) 14-16 16 9-13

0 T1 T4 T6

95-97

Thermal Properties
Co-Efficient of Thermal Expansion (20-100C): 23.5x10-6 m/m.C Thermal Conductivity: 173 W/m.K

Electrical Properties
Electrical Resistivity: 3.7 4.0 x10-6 .cm

Typical Heat Treatment/Temper States

Treatment F 0 T1 T4, T4511 T51 T6, T6511 Note: 1. This designation applies to products which are not cold worked after cooling from an elevated temperature shaping process, or in which the effect of cold work in Definition As fabricated Annealed to obtain lower strength temper Cooled from an elevated shaping process and naturally aged 1 Solution heat treated and naturally aged2,3 Cooled from an elevated shaping process and artificially aged Solution heat treated and artificially aged2,3

flattening or straightening has no effect on mechanical properties

2. This designation applies to products which are not cold worked after solution heat-treated, or in which the effect of cold work in flattening or straightening has no
effect on mechanical properties

3. This designation applies to products which are not cold worked after solution heat-treatment, or in which the effect of cold work in flattening or straightening does
not effect mechanical properties.

Typically Available Forms

Being and extruded grade of aluminium, alloy 6061 is typically available as: Tube Bar Pipe Rod

Although many manufacturers offer a range of other standard extruded profiles.

Applications
Typical applications for aluminium alloy 6061 include: Aircraft and aerospace components Marine fittings Transport Bicycle frames Camera lenses Driveshafts Electrical fittings and connectors Brake components Valves Couplings

Source: AZoM.com